Secret battles behind the GOP freak show: The backroom struggles for Republican domination

[DonViejo]

The candidates were all in New England last month, and they were doing more than just appealing to the base

MICHAEL LINHORST

NASHUA, N.H. — There were questions about President Obama’s relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood. There was a man with a boot on his head promising a free pony for every American. There was Donald Trump.

But amid the circus surrounding this month’s Republican “leadership summit” in New Hampshire, a handful of experienced political operatives were making what may turn out to be a momentous decision: which of the 19 or so candidates to guide through the Granite State’s quirky primary process. Hiring experienced politicos is critical for a candidate to do well in New Hampshire, a state that prides itself on expecting a personal touch from politicians. But with so many Republicans considering presidential run, there aren’t enough staffers to go around.

Prospective candidates “should have been thinking about staffing for some time,” said Andrew Smith, a professor at the University of New Hampshire and director of the UNH Survey Center. “Most of the top level political operatives in the state have been taken.” So the handful of top prospects who are still uncommitted are in high demand. The summit’s candidate cattle call gave them a chance to compare their suitors.

That’s what Jamie Burnett did. He was Mitt Romney’s New Hampshire political director in 2008 and worked on the Bush campaign in 2004, but he’s uncommitted so far in this election. “I can’t work with somebody unless I know I’m going to vote for them. And I haven’t really figured that part out yet,” he said. “There are a couple of people I know I wouldn’t want to vote for, but I still want to see what the others have to offer.” He didn’t name the candidates he wouldn’t work for. But he said the summit was useful for comparing the others side-by-side and watching the reactions of attendees to their messages.

more
http://www.salon.com/2015/05/05/battles_behind_the_gop_freak_show_the_backroom_struggles_for_republican_domination/

[Fantastic Anarchist]

1. So, we can use this ...

And say, well John Collins and Jamie Burnett couldn't even decide on who they wanted to work for, how can you trust their candidates?

[kairos12]

2. Sounds like they are changing the air freshener in the klown car. That's all.